WASHINGTON MUTUAL BANK - Ditched Bank Of America To Come Back
Written: Feb 07 '04 (Updated Feb 07 '04)
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Pros: Excellent Customer Service, Truly Free Checking, No Charge ATMs For Everyone
Cons: No Picture Debit Cards
The Bottom Line: Truly Free Checking, Great Customer Service, Simple To Use...Overall - Excellent!
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| spongebob_man1's Full Review: Washington Mutual Bank |
I have banked with Washington Mutual (WM) for about 6 consecutive years. During my short, and drama filled, stint at Bank Of America (aka - Satan's Bank) I maintained my WM accounts. "Maintained?" Basically, I did nothing. I only had $3.76 in my checking account the whole time. In my Free Checking Account!
Branch Offices:
The WM branch that I mainly use sits across the street from the Vancouver Mall. It was recently remodeled, it looks nice but the traffic flow pattern inside the building is a little unrealistic. Asthetically pleasing but not practical. They have a center station that has supplies and info for the tellers. That's surrounded by about 5 or 6 teller stations where you go to get helped. What makes it impractical is you have to walk all the way around to get to the open station. It's not like most banks where they have one long counter and you just go up to it. Kind of hard to explain...just trust me on this one! It's kind of funny, WM offers a variety of toys that have to do with banking. For example, they have Barbie-like dolls that are WM tellers! As if little kids are just dying to get the Washington Mutual Bank Teller doll! Of course, they also have various types of piggie-banks. Need to cash in those pennies? They have coin rolls available for you or your kids. Need to exchange that foreign dinero? No problem. Need to get a date? Hmm... (*cute tellers, cough, cough*)
There's a nice distribution of Washington Mutual branches around town so finding one when you need it is simple. Another thing I like is if you use the drive-up window the service is just as quick and friendly as inside. I've rarely seen a long slow line at WM. Inside, while you're waiting they have strategically placed TVs showing the news with financial information scrolling along the bottom of the screen. It makes the rare long waits bearable.
If you're going to apply for loans or talk to an account manager and have kids you'll be happy to know they have little activity centers for kids. They're equipped with a little table and chairs and loaded up with toys and kids books.
Online Banking:
Honestly, I have yet to use the online banking for my accounts. I want to sign up though because I like not having to write checks and waste money on checks and stamps. Plus, it's just easier to manage my finances that way. The important thing to know is that WM offers it and it's free!
ATMs:
WM doesn't charge members for using any ATM. And WM doesn't charge other people to use their ATMs. So that's kind of a cool thing. It can save you a nice chunk of cash. One problem I have noticed though, and I think it's probably unique to the branch I go to, is sometimes when I show up the ATM is being serviced. That's really frusterating, especially when I need money quickly when I'm on my way somewhere. But I think it's because the branch I go to most frequently is across the street from the mall and people know that WM doesn't charge. The ATMs are easy to use and allow you to check on your checking and savings account. If you're a member you can also print off an account summary.
Credit Cards:
Washington Mutual, to my knowledge, doesn't push their credit cards on customers like Bank Of America does. But they do offer them. Receiving a credit card isn't as easy as BOA though, who gives them to nearly anyone. Some of the cards are cool looking and the Platinum card offers credit lines up to $25,000 I think.
Auto, Home & Personal Loans:
Of course, these are all offered by WM. But, I haven't applied for any of these type of loans from WM before. But I know the staff is friendly and very helpful. They are very good at working with an individuals financial strengths and weaknesses to help them out. They take all the time necessary and don't rush you out like some other banks.
Investments:
Various investment opportunities are offered by WM. I haven't utilized these services at WM either so I can't comment on them too much. I know they offer a lot of options and information so you can make good choices. You can check the website for more info or go to your local WM branch.
Final Comments:
I switched all my money back over to Washington Mutual after a difficult trial at Bank Of America. I'm much happier with WM. The only thing I pay for to bank at WM are my checks. I don't pay a monthly fee for my checking account so I'm very happy about that. There aren't hidden fees either like other banks. That's what makes Washington Mutual the best bank for me. It's just so simple to bank here. It doesn't cost me anything and the service is fast, reliable, and very friendly.
Check Out: BANK OF AMERICA
www.wamu.com
Glad To Be Back To A Competent Bank!
Thanks For Reading!
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
spongebob_man1
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 - Top 50 |
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Location: Vancouver, WA
Reviews written: 264
Trusted by: 178 members
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